Essendon Bombers to plead guilty to workplace charges

Essendon faces a fine of $305,000 for failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment for its employees.

Representatives for the Bombers yesterday indicated the football club would plead guilty to two offences under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

WorkSafe Victoria says Essendon, at the end of 2011 and in 2012, gave players supplements without taking necessary steps to reduce potential health risks.

The watchdog outlined several steps the club should have taken before administering supplements to its players, including giving the club doctor a summary of all clinical findings of the substances being used and, only if recommended by the doctor, issuing letters of consent to the players to sign.

"Essendon players were exposed to risks to their health and safety by your failure to provide and maintain the system of work described," WorkSafe Victoria documents before the Melbourne Magistrates Court said.